PA Images/Alamy Images

The Championship club are reportedly keen on bringing in some defensive reinforcements this window with Ben Johnson high up on the list.

After losing Luke Ayling and Djed Spence this month, Daniel Farke will be hoping to bring in some adequate replacements as they chase down the automatic promotion spots.

Leeds is reportedly hoping to sign West Ham’s Johnson this month with his versatility a desired asset for the German manager.

With the 23-year-old’s contract in London expiring at the end of the season, they are hoping to secure a loan deal which could then turn into a free transfer.

But their plans could be scuppered after two La Liga clubs have entered the mix, according to TeamTalk, Real Betis and Villarreal have entered the race.

The report claims that the current manager of Betis, Manuel Pellegrini, remains a big fan of Johnson after coaching him during his time at West Ham.

With minutes hard to come by for Johnson, he will no doubt be keen on a move away with the Spanish clubs providing potential European football.

Leeds will hope that they can convince him to come to Elland Road as they chase down the automatic promotion spots.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Kings make huge decision on head coach Mike Brown
Oilers beat Stars to take 3-2 lead in WCF
Orioles lose two starting pitchers to season-ending surgeries
Yankees' Aaron Judge, Juan Soto make MLB history with impressive offensive numbers
Caitlin Clark frustrated by physical WNBA play: 'I feel like I'm getting hammered'
Bills give Olympic gold medalist chance in NFL
An epic temper tantrum highlighted Day 6 of the French Open
Broncos' Sean Payton shares promising Bo Nix update amid competition
Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla blasts media for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown coverage
Pistons parting ways with GM after hiring new head of ops
Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight temporarily postponed
Suns fill out Mike Budenholzer's coaching staff
Timberwolves boycotted TNT in support of criticized bigs
Watch: Oilers offense responds after big hit on Corey Perry
Seahawks WR doesn’t hold back on praise for QB Sam Howell
Report: Cowboys quietly 'all in' on Dak Prescott decision
Diamondbacks ace heading to injured list with hamstring strain
Golden Knights, key winger have mutual interest but face financial crunch
Pelicans to defer Lakers' first-rounder to 2025
Former top-10 WR pick speaks on retirement regret, comeback try

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.